Office of Digital Learning updates

Welcome back to campus for the spring 2024 semester! The Office of Digital Learning (ODL) is here to support you in various areas, including instructional design, instructional technology, course development, classroom technology, and more. Here are some important updates to help you prepare:

Faculty professional development trainings

We have a full slate of faculty development offerings scheduled for the spring term, including trainings on educational technology tools like Turnitin, TopHat, Zoom, and Respondus, as well as pedagogy-based workshop. Learn more about upcoming offerings and register for sessions by visiting ODL’s events page.

In spring 2024, ODL will also be hosting three special workshop series. Learn more by visiting ODL’s Workshops and Faculty Development page!

Teaching with Generative AI

Applying Universal Design for Learning

(in collaboration with Advancements in Teaching Excellence)

Integrating Digital Projects into your Classes

Video Platform RFP

In spring 2024, we will be investigating possible replacements for the Kaltura video platform which provides video functionality within WebCampus. Faculty who are interested in participating in the RFP process are encouraged to reach out to us at odl@unr.edu. Over the course of the semester, we will invite vendors to campus to demo their products, and all faculty are encouraged to participate and provide feedback.

Student Response System – Transitioning from PointSolutions to Top Hat

The Office of Digital Learning has negotiated a centrally-funded pilot program with Top Hat. This pilot gives the University a 2-year enterprise license, which means that all faculty and instructors are able to use this tool and there will be no cost for students. The 2-year pilot period officially starts in Fall 2024. We will begin a soft transition to Top Hat in Spring 2024, which means faculty can start using Top Hat in spring. PointSolutions will continue to be available through the entirety of the Spring 2024 term. The support for PointSolutions will be terminated at the end of Spring 2024. For more information, see our Student response Systems page.

Turnitin assignment creation change

The method for creating a Turnitin assignment in WebCampus has changed with recent Turnitin updates. The process is still quite simple, but must be initiated in a different area of your class in WebCampus than previously. Please see ODL’s Using Turnitin webpage for a step-by-step tutorial on creating Turnitin assignments in WebCampus.

Coursera

The University has partnered with Coursera to provide access to enhanced career development programs to students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The University is sponsoring licenses for Coursera courses and microcredentials through the Coursera Career Academy, where you can select from a variety of online professional training courses and microcredentials. Visit ODL’s Coursera webpage to learn more.

Digital Wolf Pack Day

Mark your Calendars. The Office of Digital Learning and the DWPI Team will host a series of events and activities celebrating the Digital Wolf Pack Day on February 29, 2024. For more information, please visit the DWPI events page.

Digital Wolf Pack Initiative

Faculty can request iPads through the Digital Wolf Pack Initiative to use in the instruction. Faculty who already possess devices are encouraged to participate in DWPI faculty development events and the Faculty Ambassador program.

ODL is dedicated to supporting you throughout the term. Reach out for questions, information, training requests, or consultations via email at odl@unr.edu, phone (775) 682-6798, or visit us at our suite on the fourth floor of the Knowledge Center in room 411.

Wishing you a successful start to the spring 2024 semester!